Object Type
This print by Paul Fourdrinier combines two printmaking techniques - etching and engraving. Both involved creating a pattern of grooves to hold ink in a metal printing plate. The image on the printing plate was the reverse of the final image. The etched lines were made using acid, while the engraved lines were scored by means of a sharp tool called a burin. The grooves were then filled with ink and the image was transferred onto a blank sheet of paper.

People
The print comes from a book called The Designs of Inigo Jones, Consisting of Plans and Elevations For Publick and Private Buildings. Publish'd by William Kent. With some Additional Designs. It is one of the 'additional designs' since it is by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington.

Burlington was the chief promoter of the Palladian style. He provided financial backing for the book and it reproduced drawings in his collection. A self-promotional motive was also in operation. The book implied that Burlington was the natural successor to Inigo Jones, the outstanding architect of the 17th century who had introduced true classicism to Britain.

Trading
The booksellers James Woodman and Daniel Lyon took 380 advance subscriptions for this book. Only subscribers could buy it when new, as it was not for sale in bookshops.

Artist/maker

Materials and Techniques

Etching and engraving, ink on paper

Dimensions

Height: 37.8 cm paper, Width: 24.7 cm paper

Object history note

Published in London
Plate 72 of 'The Designs of Inigo Jones ...With some Additional Designs'The hall was designed by Lord Burlington (born in London, 1694, died there in 1753) and drawn by William Kent (born in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, 1685, died in London, 1748);
etched and engraved by Paul Fourdrinier (active 1720-1758)

Descriptive line

Engraving of Cross-section of Octagon at Chiswick House

Exhibition History

Labels and date

British Galleries:
This was a preliminary design for Lord Burlington's house at Chiswick. When the hall was built, the design was modified. It shows the formal arrangement of the wall panels around the central door under its pediment. The semi-circular window above was copied from the ancient baths of Diocletian in Rome. [27/03/2003]